Less-than-typical suspension goals...need some help

Okay here's the quick and dirty: I don't want to lift at all, I don't offroad, I want as much on-road performance (read: turn-in, weight transfer, minimize understeer, reduce bounciness) as I can get without going broke. I'm shopping for springs/shocks and want to keep it under 1000 for parts. Not sure what (or if) I should do with rears...

More detail:
I want to improve the street handling of my '15 TRD Sport Prerunner. Factory suspension is not ideal for my needs (understandably, I didn't expect it to be). I barely even see a dirt road with it, it's my DD and I just want to improve it without dropping $5000+ on a real adjustable coilover conversion which would clearly be the 'best option'.

Why do I own a Tacoma then? I'm a sports car guy, but I like having a truck that I can carry car parts and other dirty crap in the back of occasionally. I also like having something I don't have to worry about ground clearance. But I'm used to small cars with excellent handling so I have a lead foot and I corner hard.. I know I won't achieve 'good' street handling compared to cars, I just want to improve what I can.


I currently have the X-runner rear sway and the fitment kit on order to help with some of the body roll.

I'm trying to decide on a shock spring setup that will compliment my goals. I'm pretty sure digressive valving is more advantageous for me.

I know the usual route for people is 5100s, or 6115s, some sort of AAL in the back, etc etc. I think at least these dampers may work for me. But I'm not sure if they're the best option still.

Due to the weight distribution of trucks, I'm not even sure if I want any stiffer leafs in the back? If not maybe I'll just stay with the oem and just swap the shocks out?

Curious what those think who have a decent amount of knowledge with spring rates of different setups, and improving the on-road responsiveness of pickups...


TIA

 

Interesting​

 

Spoke to @Torspd but most of the serious modders have upgraded to said coilovers to track their trucks. I'm looking for middle of the road; but they didn't experiment so cannot offer advice.

Just wondering if maybe someone else did or at least knows what they'd try.

 

@Lurkin

 

The "cheapest" coilovers that I am aware of, are from www.XIIperformance.com They have a PreRunner specific strut tower adapter. You just have to call, or email.

The XR springs aren't an unreasonable amount of stiffness higher than the PreRunner/4x4 leaf springs. However, they do very nearly resolve all of the axle wrap, so notorious to these trucks.

 

Maybe I will give them and a few other places a call this coming week and see what they say..

If I'm lucky I'll be happy with just the rear sway

 

Have you checked out the Lowered Trucks thread?

 

@RedLantern

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hirod-build.290073/

I have the suspension components from this truck, minus the cut spindles and knuckles and the UCAs. Believe it or not the x braces from the xrunner make a huge difference. If you choose to go coilovers, it’s best to go with the higher PPI since the prerunner are heavier(double cab). I have the lower ones and it rubs every time I hit a bump. Plus I have about 1.5 finger gap in the front so it sits pretty low. Sway bars are a huge help too. I carry Heavy loads once in awhile when I pick up some carpentry work and it holds pretty well. Just be sure when you do lower the rear to get a smaller bump stops or you’ll bottom out and hit your frame all the time.

 

Yeah did a pretty extensive search but don't get much response there and mostly 5lug stuff

 

Thanks very much. I'll cruise through this build thread then. Not looking for a drop but it gives me some ideas for bracing and some input on QA1 from someone who is less of-road oriented. Cheers

EDIT: WOW. I don't even know what you bought there were so many components, changes, custom work, etc. Espeically with the lowering, which again I'm not looking to do so I'm not sure half of this stuff is up my alley.

Just gonna continue with adding my rear sways when they're in and adding from there.

Would the x braces from the XRs fit my truck without modification? (or is there a fitment kit for it?)

 

Should fit. Might need to drill holes. Another company has for offer a similar product for the PreRunner. Someone else might remember the name of the company?

 

Not sure if Chad likes this...

 

I would look into beefer sways for sure. You can also go with some 5100 bilsteins set @ 0 on stock springs. Energy suspension bushings. Wheels and tires will also make a huge improvement.

 

Just an option, instead of sways.

I put goodyear ride rite airbags on my rear axle, but no common passage, two bags, two tubes, two fill point schrader valves.

Not "the same" as an anti roll bar on the rear axle, but they do a fine job keeping the front end flat (ter) in corners.

I am on stock tires and factory alignment, inching up on rims to reduce side wall flex would be my next nod to handling, but i spend a lot of time on dirt and gravel.

I am reticent to suggest increased negative front camber, inside edge of the fronts is where i see my most noticeable treadwear already.

With double A arm front and solid rear you might look at what the camaro community is doing for handling mods, up to at least 1997.

 

My Sport is, by far, the best handling of the 3 Tacos I had. It's no canyon carver. But is way crisper than my 2 non Sports.

No reason to stiffen it more, IMO

 

Most of the AAL's will give you a bit of lift. If you want to keep the factory ride height, I'm not sure they will do it.

 

XR leaf springs only lift ~1/4".

 

I would also suggest a panhard bar too.

 

yea the X braces will fit with very minor bore to one of the holes. Sway bar will definitely improve. Theres members that have front and rear sway bars paired with the Tundra racing lowering kit such as @hemitruk. i believe he still hauls things around and his truck handles very well.